About
Belonging – noun: to feel safe, happy or comfortable in a place, situation or group because you are welcome and accepted.
Belonging – noun: a possession.
How can we, as a sector, foster inclusion and belonging? How do we build empathy and understanding in our communities? How can arts, culture and heritage bridge divides and bring people together?
Museums and galleries are dynamic culture hubs in our communities that tell stories and create meaningful experiences about who we are, where we live, our pasts and futures. As trusted organisations, museums and galleries are able to navigate complex societal issues and actively engage our audiences in important conversations about the world in which we live through exhibitions, education programs, and public outreach.
From 9-11 October, M&G QLD’s 2024 Conference will explore what it means to belong in all its many facets. We will examine how museums and galleries are embracing inclusivity and working with artists, collections, industry leaders and communities to drive positive change into areas of accessibility, diversity and equity. We will also unpack the real or perceived disparities that exist in society and how we, as a sector, can work smarter to overcome these and be truly inclusive and equitable cultural spaces that enrich, shape and benefit our communities.
M&G QLD’s 2024 conference is designed to share professional experience and innovative ideas, enhance knowledge and build industry networks.
Delegates will be inspired by the stimulating program of high-calibre keynote speakers, plenary sessions, workshops and master classes, and be able to take away actionable ideas to apply to their organisations.
Registration
Registrations for the Conference have now closed.
Key Dates
27 September 2024 – Conference Registration Closes
9 October 2024 – Conference Day 1
10 October 2024 – Conference Day 2
11 October 2024 – Conference Day 3 (Workshops and Masterclasses)
Conference Program
M&G QLD 2024 Conference Program (published 27 September)
Keynote Speakers
Regan Pro, Deputy Director of Public Programs and Social Impact at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, USA (pictured top row, left)
Dr Bianca Beetson, Director First Nations, Queensland Museum (pictured top row, centre, photo by Chloë Callistemon, courtesy of QAGOMA)
Associate Professor Janice Rieger Head of Architecture, Planning and Design at Griffith University (pictured top row, right)
Dr Jim Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Museum Network (pictured middle row, left)
Hugh O’Connor, Senior Exhibition Designer at Powerhouse Museum, NSW (pictured middle row, centre)
Morwenna Collett, Consultant, Morwenna Collett Consulting (pictured middle row, right, photo by Julia Loersch)
Dr Moya McFadzean, Senior Curator Migration & Cultural Diversity at Museums Victoria (pictured bottom row, left, photo courtesy of AMaGA)
Simon Elliott, Deputy Director, Collection and Exhibitions, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) (pictured bottom row, centre, courtesy of QAGOMA)
Dr Sari Rossi, Researcher, A New Approach (pictured bottom row, right)
Parallell Speakers
Alice-Anne McRobbie Angela Golding Caylie Jefferies & Kerrie Forsythe Chris Stannard Chrissy Dwyer Claire Sourgnes Claudia Little Desmond Crump & Robert McLellan Dr Bianca Beetson Dr Hope O’Chin Gill Nicol Jo Salt Jodi Ferrari Joe Hextall Kerryanne Farrer, Leigh Lynam & Emma Collerten Leanne Butterworth Michael Brennan Michael O’Neill Pia Robinson & Amy Wockner Rebecca McDuff & Dylan Sarra Sarah Barron, Sarah Empey & Janice Rieger Sarah Johnson Serene Fernando & Spohie Chapman Tracy Cooper-Lavery
Getting to Toowoomba
For information on how to get to Toowoomba by car, bus, train or plane, see the Visit Toowoomba Region’s website for details.
Accommodation
Below is a list of accomodation options located centrally to the Empire Theatre.
The Burke & Wills Hotel and Toowoomba Central Plaza Hotel have kindly provided discount codes for Conference attendees – see below for details.
Burke & Wills Hotel (300m from Empire Theatre)
Discount Code: MUSGAL24 – or alternatively a booking link that pre-populates the code can be accessed here https://au01.iqwebbook.com/BWHTOO998/~/?coupon=MUSGAL24&arrivalDate=Wed,%20Oct%209%202024&departureDate=Fri,%20Oct%2011%202024
Website: https://burkeandwillshotel.com.au/accommodation/
Phone: +61 (07) 4632 2433
Email: [email protected]
Address: 554 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
Toowoomba Central Plaza Hotel (280m from Empire Theatre)
Discount Code: M&G QLD
Website: https://www.toowoombacentralplaza.com.au/
Phone: +61 (07) 4688 3333
Address: 532-544 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Acknowledgements
The 2024 M&G QLD Conference could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors and funding partners. Thank you to the following supporters:
Principal sponsor
Conference Partner
International keynote supporter
Skills development supporter
This activity is supported by the Community Heritage Grants program. The Community Heritage Grants program is funded by the Australian Government through the National Library of Australia; the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; the National Archives of Australia; the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.
Trade sponsor
Conference program sponsor
Coffee cart sponsor
Lanyard sponsor
Supporters
Venue supporters
Enquiries
Training & Professional Development
Museums & Galleries Queensland
